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Railay

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Ferry & speedboat crossings
Two kayakers paddle a yellow kayak across turquoise sea below limestone karst cliffs, with a longtail boat near the beach

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Destination overview

Railay Information

The famous peninsula of Railay is hidden by the huge rock formations that characterize Krabi province, that’s why, the only way to arrive here is by boat, the good thing is that traveling by ferry is a fun journey and fortunately at Ferrysamui we have the safest ferries and speedboats to arrive at your destination without any problem.  

The fastest route is from either Ao Nang or Krabi, ideal if you are planning to visit Railay in one day. Boats are departing from 8 am until 6 pm, however, at Ferry Samui, you can depart from different destinations starting from Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Surat Thani and even Bangkok to Ao Nam Mao Pier.  We include a mini-van shuttle to the pier where you can take our ferries to your chosen destination.  

Before traveling by ferry, take into account that some days the sea might be low so it’s possible you will get your feet wet before getting into the boat, to prevent any inconvenience; we recommend reading and printing our travel tips.


 

Wooden dive boat with passengers anchored beside a towering limestone karst island in calm turquoise sea
Schedules & prices

Popular Routes

Popular crossings to Railay — pick a route to book.

Schedules & prices

Departures from Railay

The first 8 of 40 departures leaving Railay today — pick one to choose your date and book.

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Schedules & prices

Arrivals in Railay

The first 8 of 43 services arriving in Railay today — pick one to choose your date and book.

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Popular stations & vehicles

Piers

Railay East Floating Pier

Railay Bay Pier: Your Gateway to Thai Paradise! Tucked away on the southern shores of Thailand, Railay Bay bewitches with...
About Railay

Railay Information

Railay: a car-free escape on the Krabi coast

Only a few kilometers from Krabi coast and touched by the Andaman Sea you will find Railay, this magic place is the escape for some tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of Krabi beaches without the crowds. Railay is composed by 4 islands: Railay East; where all the boats disembark, Railay West as the main and biggest island, Ton Sai; better known as the Backpacking Island, and Phra Nang characterized by a gigantic rock wall and popular caves, which is the smallest one.

Although Railay sits on the mainland peninsula, the towering limestone cliffs that wall it off from the rest of Krabi mean there is no road in. Every arrival and departure happens by water, which is why Railay feels far more remote than the short crossing suggests.

How to get to Railay

Because access is by boat only, your journey to Railay will normally combine a land leg with a sea leg. Travellers coming from Krabi Town, Krabi Airport, Ao Nang or further afield usually reach the coast first, then transfer to a boat for the final stretch to the peninsula.

On our booking system there are currently 85 routes bookable routes connecting Railay with the rest of southern Thailand, with fares starting from ฿350. Prices, departure times and vehicle types vary by operator and season, so the live search always shows what is actually available on your date.

Arrival and departure points

Railay East is where all the boats disembark, so it is the practical gateway for most visitors even if your accommodation is on Railay West. From the pier, the crossing between the two sides of the peninsula is a short walk on foot along a flat path — there are no cars, taxis or motorbikes anywhere on Railay.

Ton Sai, the Backpacking Island, and Phra Nang, the smallest of the four with its gigantic rock wall and popular caves, are also reached on foot or by short boat hop, depending on the tide.

Popular routes to and from Railay

Railay connects to some of the best-known islands in the Andaman Sea, including Koh Jum, Koh Kradan, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Mook and Koh Ngai, plus five more destinations available in the search.

  • Railay to Koh Lanta — a popular hop south for travellers combining cliffs with long sandy beaches.
  • Railay to Koh Lipe — the long-distance option towards the Tarutao archipelago near the Malaysian border.
  • Railay to Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan — the Trang island chain, often travelled as a chain of short crossings.
  • Railay to Koh Jum — a quieter, low-key island stop close to the Krabi coast.

Many of these connections are seasonal or run as through-tickets with a change en route, so check the live timetable for your travel date before planning onward accommodation.

Operators serving Railay

Services to and from Railay are run by several regional companies, including Andaman Wave Master, Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co.,Ltd. and Bundhaya Speed Boat. Each several operators sets its own schedule, luggage rules and boarding conditions, and these are shown on the ticket details when you select a departure.

Practical travel information

A few things are worth knowing before you travel to Railay:

  • No pier structure on some beaches. Boats often land directly on the sand, so expect to step into shallow water. Pack in a waterproof bag and wear shoes you can carry.
  • No roads, no vehicles. Everything on the peninsula is reached on foot, so travel light or choose accommodation close to your landing point.
  • Tides matter. Low tide can change where boats land and how easily you can walk between beaches.
  • Book ahead in high season. Popular island crossings fill up, particularly around Thai holidays and the November–April dry season.
  • Allow buffer time. If you are connecting to a flight or a long-distance bus, leave margin — sea legs are weather-dependent.

What to see and do in Railay

Railay is best known internationally for rock climbing: the limestone karsts that isolate the peninsula also make it one of Asia's most recognisable climbing destinations, with routes for beginners as well as experienced climbers.

Beyond climbing, the main draws are the beaches themselves, the caves around Phra Nang, viewpoints reached by short but steep scrambles, and kayaking along the cliff line. Ton Sai keeps its Backpacking Island character with a more relaxed, budget-focused scene, while Railay West is the largest and busiest of the four with the widest choice of places to stay and eat.

Book your ticket to Railay

Compare every available crossing, operator and departure time in one place, then confirm your seat online. Search availability for Railay and see live prices from ฿350 across all 85 routes routes.

Colourful fertility shrine with wooden phallic carvings in a limestone cave beside a sandy beach and green tree

Phra Nang Cave

As soon as you explore Phra Nang cave you will be dazzled by the bright rocks inside. Also known as the diamond cave, this is one of the main attractions in the island, it lies in the east side of Railay peninsula and is visited by many tourists that come from Ao Nang and Phuket excursions. Another cave that you can visit in the area is The Princess Cave, which is also a sanctuary. Inside of it, you can find other smaller caves and if you walk until the end you will find out the hidden Emerald Lagoon.

Climber in blue tank top ascending a grey limestone cliff face with rope beside a dark cave opening

Rock Climbing

If you are an adventurous risk taker, Railay is the right place to go! The best thing to do here is climbing, in fact, Railay is known for hosting the best places to practice this sport. The island Phra Nang presents many limestone formations with more than 70 paths ready to climb. Phra Nang possesses a unique landscape that you would enjoy during your climbing, it's the best reward of practicing this activity. You can rent climbing equipment or buy any utensil that you need in the climbing equipment stores. 
Longtail boats moored on a white sand beach beneath a limestone karst cliff in Thailand

Tours and Excursions

Staying in Railay could be expensive if you are on a budget, so the ideal option is a hopping adventure around Railay beaches. Taking an excursion is the best way to do a day trip around the Krabi coast. You can book your tour before arriving at Railay in Krabi Town or Ao Nang. We recommend you to experience the 4 Islands Tour Excursion. This tour takes you to the best beaches in Railay, apart from sunbathing and enjoying the crystalline waters, these tours include snorkeling spots, buffet, and snacks. 
Two paddlers in a red kayak on calm turquoise water beside a limestone cliff and sandy shore

Water Activities

Coming to the coast of Krabi and not practicing any of the water activities is almost a crime, so don't miss your chance while you're visiting Railay. Railay Beach presents many snorkel opportunities, there are many excursions that take you to the best spots, and even you can do it during the night and watch the bright plankton bioluminescence. Moreover, you can do some Kayaking, this a nice way to explore the island and discover hidden places, most of the kayaking tours take you to Phra Nang Cave.  
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket

Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May–September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October–April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.

Koh Samui

There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).

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